AD/CESSNA 320/27 - Main Landing Gear Down Lock Pin and Set Screw - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued AD/CESSNA 320/27, which pertains to the Cessna 320 Series Aeroplanes, as part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. This legislative instrument was introduced to address safety concerns associated with the main landing gear down lock pin and set screw of certain Cessna 320 series aeroplanes, specifically those with serial numbers ranging from 320E0001 to 320F0045. The aim of this directive is to ensure that these aeroplanes comply with safety standards within 100 hours of time in service following 31 August 1976. The regulation was enacted to mitigate risks related to the mentioned components and enhance the overall safety of civil aviation operations. The enactment of this directive reflects the commitment of CASA to maintain and improve aviation safety standards across Australia.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) specifically targeting the Cessna 320 Series aeroplanes, identified by serial numbers ranging from 320E0001 to 320F0045. This directive mandates that operators of these aircraft models ensure the inspection of the main landing gear down lock pin and set screw within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1976. The directive applies to all entities and individuals operating these specific models of Cessna aeroplanes within the Australian Commonwealth, ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards. The regulation does not provide any specific exclusions or exemptions, and its applicability extends directly to the specified aircraft models and time frames, without reliance on subordinate instruments for further elaboration or modification.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Cessna 320 Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directive (AD/CESSNA 320/27) focus on the inspection of the main landing gear down lock pin and set screw. Specifically, section 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 mandates that all Cessna 320 Series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 320E0001 to 320F0045 must comply with the inspection requirements. This directive requires an inspection within 100 hours of time in service after 31 August 1976 as documented in Cessna SL ME76-4. The directive is clear in its applicability and sets out a specific timeline and procedure for compliance. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs are stringent. Operators and owners of the specified Cessna 320 Series aeroplanes must ensure that the inspection of the main landing gear down lock pin and set screw is conducted within the prescribed timeframe. This involves detailed checks to confirm that the components are in good working condition and free from defects that could compromise the safety of the aircraft during landing. The directive is designed to maintain the highest safety standards by addressing potential issues before they can manifest into critical safety risks. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in the Airworthiness Directive can result in severe consequences. The Act imposes penalties and consequences for non-compliance, including both civil and criminal penalties. Specifically, operators and owners who fail to adhere to the inspection requirements may face fines and other civil penalties as stipulated by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. In more severe cases, criminal charges could be brought against those responsible for non-compliance, leading to imprisonment or higher fines. The maximum penalties are not explicitly stated in the provided text but are generally aligned with the severity of the safety breach and the potential risk posed to aviation safety.